How to Get a Doctor

What has become of the country doctor? More important, what is happening to U.S. rural health? The Department of Agriculture this week issued a 32-page booklet called Better Health for Rural America. Some gloomy conclusions:

"Among nine million draftees examined, 43 out of every 100 were rejected [for health reasons], but among those coming from farms 53 out of every 100 were turned down. . . .

"Studies . . . involving thousands of low-income farm people in 17 states showed between three and four significant defects per person. Fourteen percent . . . had varicose veins. One farm operator out of every twelve had a hernia. Nineteen percent had hemorrhoids."

Agriculture's recommendation: rural communities should do more than just ask for doctors. The communities should offer the prospective country medico some substantial bait: an attractive home and office, traveling expenses and a guaranteed annual income of $4,000 to $5,000.

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